Most women have noticed something wet or slightly sticky on their underwear. Guess what? It's probably nothing to worry about. Not only is it normal for girls and women to have a vaginal discharge, but it's actually a sign that the vagina is healthy! Several of the vagina's functions involve some kind of discharge — the release of fluid. The vagina is actually a very busy body part!
Vaginas and Sexual Arousal
When women get turned on, it's common for their heart rate and blood pressure to hike up, their nipples to get hard, and their breasts to enlarge. The muscles in the vagina stretch, making it longer than usual. Blood flow increases to the genitals so that the clitoris swells and the vagina lubricates itself. This is referred to as "getting wet."
Vaginas and Housekeeping
The vagina has a self-cleaning function. It releases different amounts of a discharge called leukorrhea, which may have a slightly noticeable and totally normal odor. This discharge is ordinarily thick, slightly sticky, and whitish-yellow in color, or it may appear to be clearer and more oily. Leukorrhea has an acidic quality that fights vaginal infections.
The cervix also produces mucus, which protects the uterus from infections, and leaves the body as vaginal discharge. Because this mucus is affected by a woman's hormone levels, it changes in thickness throughout the menstrual cycle, and throughout different stages of a woman's life. Hormonal birth control methods, like the pill, cause the cervical mucus to thicken, so that it is harder for sperm cells to pass through and fertilize an egg cell. So, a woman who starts to use the birth control pill may notice a change in her discharge.
Vaginas and Warning Signals
Sometimes a change in vaginal discharge is a sign that something is wrong. If you are sexually active, it is especially important to consult your health care provider about changes in discharge. Bloody, unusual, or uncomfortable discharge between periods may be symptoms of sexually transmitted infections, like gonorrhea or chlamydia, which can be treated and cured with prescription antibiotics once they are diagnosed.
An abnormally foamy, itchy, uncomfortable, or strong smelling discharge may be a sign of an irritation called vaginitis. This can be caused by allergies, irritants (like perfume products), low levels of estrogen, or infections.
The Rise of the Yeast ...
A yeast infection is caused by extra amounts of the fungus candida albicans. Candida albicans normally grows in healthy vaginas, but certain conditions may cause it to grow too much, causing an unusual looking and smelling discharge that really itches, in or around the vagina. Here are some things you can do to prevent yeast infections:
- Wash your vulva with fragrance-free soap and warm water every day.
- Don't use unnecessary products like douches or "feminine deodorant sprays," which can cause irritation.
- Avoid wearing nylon underwear or pantyhose and thick, tight-fitting, or damp clothing around the area of the genitals for long periods of time.
Even with those precautions, yeast infections sometimes still happen. Some women are generally more prone to them than others are, and taking certain prescription antibiotics can increase susceptibility. If you think that you might have a yeast infection, it's a good idea to check in with your health care provider for an accurate diagnosis, especially if you haven't had a yeast infection before. Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter medications, but women need to be certain that it is a yeast infection that is being treated, not something else.
If you are really worried about the wet spots that can turn up on your underpants because of vaginal discharge, you can use unscented panty liners to absorb the moisture. Just remember that discharge is only your body's way of letting you know that your vagina is healthy!
